The chorus of the song and the words "waka waka" are borrowed from "Zangaléwa", a 1986 song recorded by Cameroonian band Golden Sounds, which was a hit not only across Africa but also in Colombia, with the help of West African DJs, where Shakira heard the tune when she was a child.

"Tsaminamina" means: Come. "Waka waka" means: Do it – as in perform a task. Waka is pidgin language meaning walk while working. "Tsaminamina zangalewa" means: where do you come from?.

For starters, “Waka Waka” is a pidgin slang phrase from the Cameroonian Fang language. It basically means do it. but derived from a shortened version of the phrase “walk while working.”

Waka Waka or Waka Thuqhuri Tinti Waka from Aidan Perry is an urban popular dance from Bolivia and Perú. Its autochthonous origin is found in the Municipality of Umala, Province of Aroma, Department of La Paz and the Municipality of Acora, Province of Puno, Department of Puno.